Words / B1

ys-uh-LAYSHUN/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/

Isolation is being cut off from others: social isolation; in isolation; isolation after a positive test. Isolate is the verb (already in the dictionary). Loneliness is the feeling; isolation can be physical or medical. In isolation also means considering something alone (the figure looks good in isolation). Do not use isolation for a quiet evening you chose — that is time alone.

Meaning

The state of being separate from others; also a period of staying apart because of illness.

Examples

• “Older people can suffer from isolation in winter.”
• “The charity runs calls to reduce isolation among older tenants.”
• “The case looked serious in isolation, but the yearly trend was down.”

Good to know

social isolation; in isolation (alone / considered separately). Verb: isolate. Feeling: loneliness. Chosen quiet evening ≠ isolation.

Near in meaning

loneliness

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